David and Konstantine

David and Konstantine, rulers of Argveti (Upper Imereti), were feudal lords from the Mkheidze noble family, active during the first half of the 8th century. They fought heroically against Marwan the Deaf (Marwan ibn Muhammad), the Arab commander who invaded Georgia.

During the Battle of Argveti, the Arabs captured David and Konstantine and executed them, making them martyrs. The Georgians buried their bodies on the banks of the Tskaltsitela River, where the Monastery of Martyrs (Motsameta) now stands (in present-day Tkibuli Municipality).

The Georgian Orthodox Church canonized David and Konstantine as saints, giving them the title of Great Martyrs.

Their day is celebrated on October 2 (Old Style) / October 15 (New Style).

O. Soselia